Tecumseh and the Prophets
Treaties with the whites had always seemed to work against them. The U.S. Government had adopted a persistent policy to change Creek government and culture. The newest insult was that the United States had planned a new road through Upper Creek land without first asking for permission. Encouraged by British promises of support, Tecumseh hoped to unite all tribes to rid the land of whites. The Upper Creeks fervently embraced his ideas. The Lower Creeks did not.
Mystical men called “Prophets” spread Tecumseh’s message. The Master of Breath would reward those who returned to the old ways.
The prophets claimed to have magical powers, to be able to change dry land to swamps, to cause musket balls to break apart on striking their bodies, to draw magic rings where any white who entered would die. They preached, working themselves into a frenzy and dancing the “Dance of the Lakes.” On the rise in front of you three prophets danced at the start of the battle, screaming curses at the enemy and urging the Creeks to fight.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans
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Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 32° 58.966′ N, 85° 44.119′ W. Marker was in Daviston, Alabama, in Tallapoosa County. Memorial was on Horseshoe Bend Road. The marker was located in Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Tour Stop #5. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Daviston AL 36256, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Horseshoe Bend Campaign Combatants (within shouting distance of this marker); Horseshoe Bend National Military Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Bloody Contest (approx. 0.2 miles away); Futile Escape (approx. 0.4 miles away); Gun Hill (approx. half a mile away); Horseshoe Bend Battleground Monument (approx. half a mile away); Major Lemuel P. Montgomery (approx. half a mile away); Jackson Trace (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Daviston.
Regarding Tecumseh and the Prophets. This marker is has been removed and replaced by a new version of the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 510 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 18, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
